Kettle apparatus and method thereof

ABSTRACT

An improved boiler apparatus having a removably couplable heating element that can have resistive heating elements are provided with fixed resistances that can be rewired to allow variable wattage usage of the heating element. Some heating element assemblies can include more than one heating coils or heating element. The heating elements can be wired in series, or parallel thereby creating a low watt density but high wattage heater.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. Continuation-In-Part Patent Application claim priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/963,166 filed Oct. 10, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/588,908 filed Sep. 30, 2019, which claims priority to Provisional Application 62/738,125 filed Sep. 28, 2018, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electric heating elements, kettles, and boilers.

BACKGROUND

It is known is well known in the beer brewing art to boil beer for sterilization, isomerization of the hops and other beneficial results. In addition, it is desired by the market to use convenient electric heating for such boilers as it produces no hazardous fumes and excessive heat that propane and natural gas burners used as heat sources do. Large electric coffee urns are known in the art to use for such a boiler. These current art urns are single voltage designs that are either 120V or 240V. The limitations of 120V are that only 15A receptacles are available in most homes limiting max power to about 1500W. Subsequently heating times are excessively long, and the boil intensity is very low leading to undesirable flavors in the finished beer such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS). However, 240V units can reach 2500W or more creating fast heating times and excellent boil intensity. Most homes have access to 240V power through the main power panel, dryers, ovens etc. But it may be located in an inconvenient area for brewing.

As urns are normally heating water for coffee and tea, watt density is not an issue. For beer brewing, the sugars will scorch if the watt density is too high and this, in turn, will caramelize (discolor) and alter the flavor in an undesirable way. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to allow dual voltage capability without changing the heating elements. It is a second objective of this product to reduce the effective watt density to greatly reduce the chances of scorching. It is a third objective to provide a removably couplable heating element to allow for user to easily remove and change a heating element portion if there is a failure without the need to dispose of the entire apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this disclosure is related to an improved boiler apparatus including a kettle portion and a heating element portion. The kettle portion can include an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end and a top end. The heating element portion can include a heating element assembly comprising a first coil having a first diameter and a first resistance coupled to a sub plate, a control panel, a switch configured to adjust the voltage supplied to the heating element assembly from a first voltage to a second voltage, wherein the heating element assembly is coupled to the bottom end of the kettle portion.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to an improved boiler apparatus. The boiler apparatus can include a kettle portion having an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having a bottom surface and a top end. The kettle portion can be removably coupled to a base portion. The base portion can include an enclosure having a receptacle member, an insulation member for insulating the interior cavity of the enclosure from a heating element, and a heating element assembly comprising a coil having a first diameter and a first resistance that can be coupled to the bottom end of the kettle portion, and a thermostat. The improved boiler apparatus can further include a control panel communicatively coupled to a heating coil and thermostat. In some embodiments, a switch can be communicatively coupled to the heating coil, wherein the switch is configured to adjust the voltage supplied to the heating element assembly from a first voltage to a second voltage, wherein the base portion can be coupled to the bottom end of the kettle portion and rotatable around the kettle to provide multiple orientations of the receptacle with respect to the control panel.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to a kettle apparatus comprising a kettle portion having an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having an interior bottom surface, an interior bottom surface, and a top end. The kettle can include at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid flow between the interior and exterior of the kettle portion. The kettle apparatus can include a removably couplable heating element assembly having a first heating element with a first resistance, wherein the heating element assembly is coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle portion.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to a kettle apparatus. The kettle apparatus can include a kettle portion, housing member, and a removably couplable heating element assembly. The kettle portion having an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having an interior bottom surface, an exterior bottom surface, a top end, and at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid flow between the interior and exterior of the kettle portion. The housing member configured to house a portion of the bottom surface of the kettle portion. A removably couplable heating element assembly can have a first heating element having a first resistance and can be removably coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle portion or the housing member or both.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure is related to a kettle apparatus having a kettle portion, and a removably couplable heating element assembly. The kettle portion can have an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having an interior bottom surface, an exterior bottom surface, and a top end. The kettle portion can additionally include at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid flow between the interior and exterior of the kettle portion. The removably couplable heating element assembly comprising a first heating element having a first resistance, wherein the heating element assembly is coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle portion.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary resistive heating element having dual voltage capability of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a heating element assembly having plurality of coils.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of side view of an exemplary embodiment of a heating element assembly having plurality of coils.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a heating element assembly having plurality of coils.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a heating element assembly having plurality of coils.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an interior view of the kettle portion of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a cross section view of FIG. 6 providing a fluid level scale on the interior side wall of the kettle.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of a perspective view of the bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of a perspective view of the bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure wherein the enclosure is transparent to view interior elements within the bottom enclosure.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10C is an illustration of a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10D is an illustration of a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure along axis B-B of FIG. 10C.

FIG. 10E is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure illustrating the removably couplable base portion.

FIG. 10F is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure illustrating the removably couplable base portion and heating element portion.

FIG. 10G is an illustration of a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure with a removable panel having been removed from the housing portion.

FIG. 10H is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved boiler apparatus of the present disclosure illustrating the removably couplable base portion, thermal conductive layer, and heating element portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a heating element assembly can include multiple resistive heating elements are provided with fixed resistances that can be rewired to allow dual voltage capability, such as 120v and 240v operations, and at the same time, reduced watt density. Any number of heating element coils can be used. In some embodiments, the heating element assembly can include a first coil 3 and a second coil 5. In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 1 can have about 3 individual coil heating elements, including a first coil 3, a second coil 5, and a third coil 7. The first coil can have a first diameter and a first resistance, the second coil can have a second diameter and a second resistance, and the third coil can have a third diameter and a third resistance. In some exemplary embodiments, the first diameter is less than the second diameter. In some exemplary embodiments, the second coil and third coil can have the same resistance. In some embodiments, the first coil can have a lower resistance than the second coil and third coil. In one exemplary embodiment, third coil can have a diameter of about 150 mm and a resistance of about 9 ohms, the second coil can have a diameter of about 110 mm and a resistance of about 9 ohms, and the first coil can have a diameter of about 60 mm and a resistance of about 4 ohms. The three coils can have various resistances and diameters depending upon the applications and input voltage. For 120V operation, the coil 7 can have a larger diameter can be about a 9-ohm coil, which may be used alone to provide the lowest possible watt density for a user's desired application. For 240V operation, all three heating coils can be wired in series, as shown in FIG. 3 , creating a low watt density but high wattage heater. A switch 11 can be used to allow a user to quickly convert from 120V to 240V operation.

As shown in FIG. 2-3 , the heating elements can be designed with space between them so that the heat can spread out over the aluminum sub plate 21 that the elements are bonded to. This aluminum plate/heater assembly 1 can be bonded to the bottom side 13 of the bottom end 23 of an urn or kettle 15. Prior art units used a thin aluminum bonding plate (approx. 1 mm). One exemplary embodiment of the present invention can utilize a very thick plate 1 about 3 to about 10 mm or about 4 to about 6 mm or about 5 mm thick (FIG. 2 b ) to allow the heat to spread to a larger area on the bottom side 13 of the urn 15. In addition, the element electrical connection ends 17 a,b can be alternated about 180 degrees to allow the heat to spread more evenly on the aluminum plate.

FIGS. 4-5 are images of exemplary embodiments of a boiler apparatus 100 of the present disclosure. The boiler apparatus can include a kettle portion 115 and a heating element portion 1. The heating element portion 1 can include the various heating elements and coils as well as the circuitry connecting the various coils. The heating element portion can also include a control panel 127, wherein the control panel 127 is communicatively coupled to the heating element 1 and coils and can be configured to control the amount of voltage being applied to the heating coil 1. A switch 11 can also be included in the heating element portion 1 to allow a user to toggle between two different voltages. The switch can optionally be communicatively coupled to the control panel 127. The control panel can further include wireless technology, such as a transceiver to allow user to communicate to the control panel using any suitable wireless communication. In some exemplary embodiments, the voltages can be 120v and 240v. The kettle portion 115 can include one or more valves 129 fluidly connected to the interior of the kettle 15.

As shown in FIG. 6 , some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure related to an all-in-one brewing system can include heating elements to be used as a kettle during the brewing process or other heating processes. The kettle can have a control panel 127 mounted on the exterior wall 20 of the kettle 15. The control panel can include a user interface/display 120 that can display various information including temperature settings, timer, voltage, among other information that a user may need to setup for various tasks including but not limited to a brewing cycle. The apparatus can be used for any suitable heating processes including brewing beer, coffee, distillation, or other processes requiring the heating of water or other liquids. The user interface can be located in any suitable location. In another exemplary embodiment, the control panel 120 can be coupled to the base portion 101.

FIG. 7 provides an interior cross-section view of an improved brewing apparatus of the present disclosure along axis A-A. The interior wall 16 of the kettle 15 can include a liquid level measurement ruler 18 or markings to provide a user easy indication of the amount/volume of liquid that is placed within the interior portion of the kettle. The measurement ruler 18 can be coupled to the interior wall using any suitable means including but not limited to engraving, etching, painting, adhesive, or any other means to the sidewall 18. A heating element 1 can be coupled to the base plate or bottom side 13 of the kettle 15. The heating element 1 can be coupled to a base plate or bottom of the kettle using any suitable means, including but not limited to mechanical fasteners. In some exemplary embodiments, the base plate or kettle bottom can be welded, physically bonded or incorporated into the baseplate or bottom of the kettle 15 to further ensure more uniform heating along the base of the kettle 15.

The heating element 1 and or coil can have a uniform resistance per inch, which can keep the watt density consistent. In some exemplary embodiments, the resistance per inch can vary along the coil. In exemplary embodiments, where a heating element coil 1 is bonded directly to the bottom end 23 of a traditional boil kettle 15. In some exemplary embodiment, the heating element 1 can be permanently bonded to bottom 13 of the kettle. Alternative embodiments can include a removable couple heating element 1 to allow for easy replacement in the event of a heating coil 1 failure. The heating element can additionally include a power connector with a removable connection to the bottom side 13 of the kettle 15. The heating coil 1 can have a spiral design that is continuous with less interconnect wiring and more surface utilized to minimize watt density.

As shown in FIG. 8 , an improved brewing apparatus of the present disclosure can include the kettle portion 115 which can have the heating element 1 of the heating element portion 1 bonded to the bottom of the kettle 15 of the kettle portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element portion 1 can include a housing member 103 that can function as the base of the apparatus, as well as house and provide a barrier between the exterior of the apparatus and the heating coil 1. The housing can further include insulation 105 that can additionally reduce heat from escaping the bottom portion 101 of the apparatus and increase efficiency of the heating coil 1 when in operation and further maintain an ideal temperature. A bottom portion sealing band 107 that can provide a seal between the kettle portion 115 and the base portion 101 of the apparatus. A thermostat 109 can additionally be included and communicatively coupled to the controller/control panel 127 of the apparatus. The thermostat 109 can be used to ensure that the temperature is being consistently maintained at a desired temperature of the user. Additionally, a thermostat can provide a safety feature of the apparatus where a user may accidentally energize the vessel without liquid in it which could cause the product to be damaged beyond repair. A pre-determined temperature or limit switch can be set. In some exemplary embodiments, the limit switch can be set to about 100° F. above the normal operating temperature of the heating element surface. If the kettle is empty, the heating elements do not get cooled by the liquid and can quickly overheat. The thermostat can open and cuts off power to the heating element. A manual reset can be required similar to a circuit breaker prior to the heating element being able to have power supplied. Alternatively, an auto-resetting breaker could be used, but that would cause it to keep cycling.

The housing portion 101 can additionally include one or more apertures 111 that can be plugged with any suitable means, including a hole plug 116 or a foot 118 member to provide further stability to the base of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 9A. The apertures can allow a user to access the coupling members 128 that connect the base portion 101 to the kettle portion 115. The coupling members 128 can be any suitable means including but not limited to removable fasteners. Once a user tightens or loosens the fasteners the aperture can then be plugged to ensure that debris does not get into the housing 103 of the base portion 101. The housing 103 can further include a receptable 122 to allow a user to easily plug in the apparatus to a power source. The receptable 122 can have a portion covered by a saddle cover 124.

Additionally, the housing 103 can have coupling channels/slot 126 to allow for the vessel portion 115 to be coupled to the enclosure 103. The kettle portion can include corresponding apertures or coupling members 128 to correspond to the channels 126 as shown in FIG. 9B. The coupling members 128 in some exemplary embodiments can be fasteners that can be tightened down when the desired orientation is achieved by the user. The location of the channels 126 allow for a user to rotate the orientation of the receptacle located on the enclosure 103 in multiple locations and arrangements to provide flexibility for an end user that may have difference power source locations. A user can essentially rotate the housing 103 about 360 degrees around until the receptacle is in the desired location. This allows for multiple possibilities to orient the receptacle 112 in many angles around the kettle 15. Additionally, the ability to rotate the housing and receptacle can improve routing the heavy power cable in a desirable direction so the cable does not get in the way or result in binding of the cable when plugged into the receptacle 122. In various exemplary embodiments various coupling means can be utilized to attach the enclosure 103 to the kettle portion 115, including but not limited to the channel 126 and fasteners 128 previously presented, one or more clamping means, latching members, or permanently adhering the enclosure 103 in a desired orientation using an adhesive. The base portion 101 can include the heating element and in other embodiments, the heating element 1 can be a part of the kettle portion 115 when it is permanently bonded to the bottom surface 13 of the kettle 15.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10H, an exemplary embodiment of a brewing apparatus of the present disclosure can include a kettle portion 115 which can have the heating element assembly 1 of the heating element portion 101 that can be bonded to the bottom surface 13 of the kettle 15. The heating element assembly 1 can be removably couplable to the bottom surface 13 using any suitable means. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element assembly 1 can have one or more apertures 110 to allow for one or more fasteners to couple the heating element 1 to the bottom surface of the kettle 15.

In some exemplary embodiments, the kettle assembly 100 can include the kettle portion 115 that can include a kettle 15 and a bottom portion 101 that can include a housing member 103 that can function as a base of the kettle apparatus 100. The housing member can provide a barrier between the exterior of the housing member, and the interior portion containing the heating element assembly 1. The housing member 103 can overlay a portion of the bottom end of the kettle 15 as well as the entire heating element 1. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing can further include insulation 105 that can additionally reduce heat from escaping the bottom portion 101 of the apparatus and increase efficiency of the heating element assembly 1 when in operation and further maintain an ideal temperature.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more heating element portions 2 can be coupled to the side surface of the kettle 15. In other exemplary embodiments, the housing 103 of the base portion can include an insulated shelf that can house a heating element assembly 1 that can be positioned within the housing 103 and allow for the bottom surface of kettle 15 to placed directly on top of the heating element assembly 1 and contact the surface to allow for heating of the kettle. In this exemplary embodiment, gravity and the weight of kettle and its contents would provide enough compressive force to thermally couple the kettle 15 and the heating element assembly 1. In some alternative embodiments, the heating element assembly can be removably coupled to the housing 103 rather than the bottom surface of the kettle 15.

The kettle assembly 100 can additionally include a heat transmissive/thermal conductive layer 130 that can be positioned between the heating element assembly 1 and a surface of the kettle. In some exemplary embodiments, the heat transmissive layer 130 can be a thermal paste or a conductive film as shown in FIG. 10H. The heat transmissive layer 130 can ensure a greater transmission of heat between the heating element assembly and the bottom surface. Similarly, the heat transmissive layer can help ensure a uniform connection between the surface of the heating elements and one or more surfaces of the kettle. In some exemplary embodiments, the heat transmissive layer 130 can additionally have an adhesive or bonding property to removably couple the heating element assembly 1 to the kettle 15.

A bottom aperture 110 b can be positioned on the bottom surface of the kettle portion. The bottom aperture 110 b can additionally have a fitting 112 element formed around the aperture to allow for one more fittings 112 to be removably couplable to the fitting element 112. In some exemplary embodiments, the fitting element 112 can be configured to allow for any suitable fitting connector 114, including but not limited to a tri-clamp fitting. The housing member 103 can have a secondary fitting 122 that can pass through from the interior portion of the base and to the exterior portion under the base portion 103. The secondary fitting 122 can have an additional element 132, such as a tube or elbow coupled to the fitting 122 using any suitable means, including but not limited to a fitting connector 114 such as a tri-clamp as shown in FIG. 10F. The one or more apertures 110 can be located in any suitable location on the kettle and allow a user to couple various elements to the corresponding fittings that may be formed as part of the apertures.

In some exemplary embodiments, the housing apparatus 103 can include body portion that can include one or more removably panels 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing apparatus can similarly function as a stand for the kettle portion. One or more legs 136 can be coupled to or formed as part of the body portion and extend generally downward from a top edge 117 of the housing apparatus 103. Proximate to or on the top edge of the housing apparatus can be a seal member 107 that can be comprised of any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, the seal member 107 can form a lip to secure the kettle portion when positioned on top of the housing apparatus 103. The seal member 107 can overly a portion of the side surface of the kettle 15. One or more bottom panels can be removably coupled from the housing apparatus 103 to allow a user to easily access the interior portion of the housing as well as any ports, apertures, or electrical components in the interior. The bottom panel 154 can enclose the interior cavity of the housing apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, housing apparatus can have a first bottom panel 154 a and a second bottom panel 154 b.

The housing member 103 can have one or more removable panels 104 to allow a user access into the space when the kettle is resting atop the housing member 103. As shown in FIG. 10G, a first removable panel can be removed to allow a user access to add or remove one or more fitting elements 112 to the bottom fitting element 110 b of the kettle 15. A lid or top portion 50 can also be included with the kettle assembly 100. The lid can be removably coupled to the top end of the kettle 15. In some embodiments, the lid 50 can have one or more apertures and/or fittings to allow a user to removably couple components to the lid such as tubes or other fittings.

The heating element assembly 1 can include a plurality of individual heating element portions 2 that can be communicatively coupled together. Each individual heating element portion or coil 2 a,2 b,2 c can be individually communicatively coupled to a thermal switch and/or a controller 127. While the present exemplary embodiment illustrates three different heating element portions it is understood that any number of heating element portions could be utilized. In some exemplary embodiments a single heating element portion can be utilized. The heating element assembly 1 can have any suitable wattage. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element assembly can have a wattage of between about 2000 and 6000 watts, or between about 10,000 and 30,000 watts or between about 15,000 and 25,000 watts, or about 20,000 watts. The individual heating element portions 2 can have varying wattages or alternatively have the same wattages. The various heating element portions can be individually modulated and in combination with each other and any combination of individually energizing each element so you would have 0/33/66/100% power input. Similarly, a modulating method can be implemented by the controller, wherein all elements can be nearly infinitely modulated from 0-100%, or some elements turned on 100% and one or more elements modulated. Various types of power sources can be utilized, including but not limited to a 208/240/480 single and three phase power sources. For some other exemplary embodiments, 120 and 240 single phase since that is what residential voltages are available.

The heating element assembly 1 can additionally include one or more coupling means to removably couple the heating element assembly 1 to the bottom surface of the kettle 15. The coupling means can be any suitable means, including but not limited to fastening to studs through bolts or high temp adhesive. When bolts and studs are used, one or more some springs under the nuts to maintain consistent bonding pressure even with thermal expansion and contraction can be included. The heating element assembly can have one or more coupling apertures 134 to allow for fasteners to pass therethrough and onto the bottom surface of the kettle 15. In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom surface of the kettle 15 can have one or more studs 136 that can correspond to the coupling apertures 134 of the heating element assembly 1. The studs can be coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle 15 using any suitable means including but not limited to welding. The studs 136 can have a threaded end and one or more fasteners 138. In other embodiments, the studs 136 could be through bolts that can accept a bolt fastener.

In some exemplary embodiments, a controller can be separately coupled to the kettle assembly via one or more electrical connection ports 144. The connection ports 144 can be quick connect ports to allow for a controller 127 to be removably coupled to the ports. Additionally, the heating element assembly 1 can be removably couplable to the connection ports 144. Similarly, the kettle assembly 100 can be communicatively coupled to a separate thermostat 109 and can additionally be communicatively coupled to the controller/control panel 127. The thermostat 109 can be used to ensure that the temperature is being consistently maintained at the desired temperature of the user. The thermostat 109 could be wired to a remote panel so that if the thermostat is opened or closed it could communicate to the controller to de-energize the heating elements. This can also act as a safety feature as previously recited to prevent the elements from overheating. In some exemplary embodiments, there can be a plurality of connection ports 124 a,b,c that can correspond to a respective heating element portion 2 a,b,c. The connection ports and respective heating element portions can be communicatively coupled and modularly controlled by a communicatively coupled controller. In some exemplary embodiments, a separate power supply for each element can be provided, or alternatively all or some can be wired together in the junction box, or even in the housing member. The base housing member 103 can also include an integrated controller and/or power controller that can be communicatively coupled to the connection ports 144. In some exemplary embodiments, an integrated controller and/or power controller can be incorporated into the base portion and can additionally include a display for a user.

A bottom portion sealing band 107 that can provide a seal between the kettle portion 115 and the bottom housing 103 of the kettle assembly. The seal 107 can further prevent any movement of the kettle 15 while on the housing member 103. The housing 103 can have one or more a leg members 136 that can extend generally downward from the bottom of the housing 103 to provide further stability to the base of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 10A. A foot 118 member to provide further stability can be removably coupled to the bottom end of the leg member 136. Additionally, foot member 118 can be adjustable to allow for better stability and leveling of the kettle assembly on an uneven surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element assembly can be removably coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle, or the housing apparatus, or both.

It is understood that many combinations of multiple elements, resistances, dimensions, configurations, and bonding plate thicknesses and diameters are possible to achieve these results.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A kettle apparatus comprising: a kettle portion having an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having an interior bottom surface, an exterior bottom surface, and a top end; at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid flow between the interior and exterior of the kettle portion; and a removably couplable heating element assembly comprising a first heating element having a first resistance, wherein the heating element assembly is coupled to the bottom surface of the kettle portion.
 2. The kettle apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a housing member configured to house a portion of the bottom surface of the kettle portion and the heating element.
 3. The kettle apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing member further comprises an inlet portion.
 4. The kettle apparatus of claim 3, wherein the housing member further includes an insulation member for insulating the interior cavity of the enclosure from the heating element.
 5. The kettle apparatus of claim 4, further comprising at least one fitting member fluidly connected to the aperture.
 6. The kettle apparatus of claim 5, wherein the housing member includes an electrical connection port communicatively coupled to the heating element assembly and a sealing member configured to form a seal between the bottom end of the kettle portion and a top edge of the housing member.
 7. The kettle apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a controller communicatively coupled to an electrical connection port, wherein the heating element assembly further comprises a second heating element having a second resistance.
 8. The kettle apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second resistance is greater than the first resistance.
 9. The kettle apparatus of claim 8, wherein the heating element assembly further comprises a third heating element having and a third resistance.
 10. The kettle apparatus of claim 9, wherein the third resistance is the same as the second resistance.
 11. The kettle apparatus of claim 7, wherein housing member further includes a removable access panel to access the space within the housing when the kettle portion is resting on the housing member.
 12. The kettle apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thermal conductive layer can be provided between the bottom surface of the kettle and the removably couplable heating element assembly.
 13. The kettle apparatus of claim 14, wherein the conductive layer can include at least one of the following: thermal transfer paste or one or more conductive pads.
 14. The kettle apparatus of claim 15, wherein the heating element portion is coupled to the bottom of the kettle portion using one or more fasteners.
 15. The kettle apparatus of claim 16, wherein the heating element is removably bonded to the bottom surface of the kettle portion using a high temperature thermal adhesive.
 16. The kettle apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heating element is removably couplable to the bottom surface of the kettle portion.
 17. The kettle apparatus of claim 14, wherein the heating element assembly is bonded to a subplate, wherein the subplate is removably couplable to the bottom surface of the kettle.
 18. The kettle apparatus of claim 17, wherein the housing member further includes a removable access panel into the interior area beneath the kettle.
 19. A kettle apparatus comprising: a kettle portion having an interior, an exterior surface, a bottom end having an interior bottom surface, an exterior bottom surface, and a top end; at least one aperture configured to allow a liquid flow between the interior and exterior of the kettle portion; a housing member configured to house a portion of the bottom surface of the kettle portion; and a removably couplable heating element assembly comprising a first heating element having a first resistance, wherein the heating element assembly is coupled to at least one of the following: the bottom surface of the kettle portion or the housing member.
 20. The kettle apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the heating element assembly. 